Sample Medicine Personal Statement
I have always been fascinated by the human body, but it was my battle with scoliosis which cemented my desire to become a doctor; my operation in 2006 demonstrated the power of good healthcare to improve the lives of those in pain. Conditions such as scoliosis result from a multitude of factors and as a natural problem solver I have become intrigued by the diagnosis of disease. Detective work is key to medical research.
I have pursued work experience within Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Princess Royal Hospital to gain an insight into the profession from the multidisciplinary team. Diverse procedures, from a Caesarean section to a full hysterectomy, underlined the integral importance of teamwork during surgery, as well as protocols such as infection control. Observing ward rounds stressed to me the importance of communication to ensure consistent patient care, and shadowing the doctor in his outpatient and ante-natal clinics opened my eyes to the clinical environment, which I found more personal and thus uniquely rewarding. The sensitive nature of antenatal screenings test doctors’ skills in gaining trust, in order to tackle issues such as Down’s syndrome. In Outpatients, I observed the importance of listening skills; a doctor must assess each case individually to ascertain the best treatment plan, which demands intellectual and interpersonal capabilities. I am now enthused about a future career in a community setting and am keen to qualify as a GP. To this end I have read a variety of books including Pemberton’s “The Doctors Will See You Now” and Copperfield’s “Sick Notes” to gain an insight into GP life, including the challenges presented by effective referral, and time constraints in clinic.
I have always sought to excel both in academic and extracurricular pursuits. I am proud of my voluntary work with St John Ambulance as a first aider, to be part of a hardworking team which provides skilled first aid at events including Brighton Pride and the Brighton Marathon, and as Committee Treasurer I very much enjoy supporting the unit through organising fundraising events. I have also been inspired to volunteer at my local hospital this year, where I take a confectionery trolley around the wards and interact with patients, staff and visitors. I find it extremely gratifying to deliver comfort to bedridden patients and have gained further understanding of the inner workings of a hospital environment. In my spare time I enjoy keeping fit and doing handicrafts, from crochet to card making. Crafting has developed my dexterity and attention to detail, which are integral to surgical techniques, as evident from my work experience shadowing in theatre. The time management involved in planning projects has enhanced my organisational skill, and above all I find the process of transforming creative vision into product is underpinned by the ability to problem-solve and think laterally.
An act of care for another human being, even as small as delivering a newspaper to a patient who cannot leave their bed, cannot be underestimated, and the opportunity to serve others daily is my ultimate goal. My academic and work experiences thus far have confirmed that I possess the qualities necessary to overcome the challenges and reap the rewards of a career in medicine, and I look forward to developing my skills and knowledge to achieve this aim.
We hope you’ve been inspired by reading this sample Medicine personal Statement.